I respect the hell out of Deena Kastor. She was a great runner. Unfortunately, her best times are behind her.
Running is not like basketball where you can step off the court but still shoot hoops at the local Y. Joan Benoit Samuelson still runs, and I think this is a good thing. But no one would consider her a professional in her prime. The same goes for Bill Rodgers.
A professional runner is someone who is paid to race win or lose. Some retired runners may get appearance fees to meet and greet the fans. But they aren't being paid to race. This is a big difference.
Kastor should no longer accept appearance fees to race, but I don't think she should stop running completely. Older runners like Colleen de Reuck show flashes of brilliance. Running is a lifestyle not just a sport, and you can achieve a lot relative to your age.
I think Kastor should start a family and come back to assault the master's records.
Out.